Apple TV and HDMI switch support

Welcome to the  Discussion Forums

Yes there are issues with using switches, I'm not sure whether the problem lies with the switch or the tv or whether this is as a result of intentional additional copy protection.

If you have both types of connection set to the same device, how can you conclude the tv doesn't give priority to HDMI since even though the HDMI might be plugged in, it isn't actually connected if you are watching via component.

I have the same with my Apple TV directly into the back of my Sony Bravia.

The HDMI Control of the TV, which should pick up when a signal is incoming and switch accordingly like it does for the DVD Player, doesn't see Apple TV. Searching for HDMI devices only finds the DVD Player.

But this doesn't stop AppleTV working. Fortunately the HDMI ports (lots of them) are clearly numbered and manually switching to the correct External channel finds Apple TV ready.

See :

http://www.xtrememac.com/audio/av_cables/switcher/

Winston, I'm confused by your statement, "If you have both types of connection set to the same device, how can you conclude the tv doesn't give priority to HDMI since even though the HDMI might be plugged in, it isn't actually connected if you are watching via component."

Are you saying that you can't output to both the HDMI and the Component at the same time? Is it one or the other? I was thinking of using the AppleTV as a presentation device output to two flat panel TVs with one going through HDMI and the other through Component. There is no audio necessary, just iPhoto images in a slideshow.

Would this work or do I need a splitter? Thanks!

Apple states that the tv gives priority to HDMI when both connections are plugged in (ie only HDMI works) I haven't tested this but it would seem logical.

The OP challenged this on the basis they had both plugged into their tv and component worked. I was pointing out that this didn't disprove Apples statement since the tv has to be switched between sources itself and when it is switched to component the HDMI (whether plugged in or not) is effectively disconnected.

I just bought an HDMI Switch (http://www.hdtvsupply.com/hdmi-13-switch.html) and can't get it to work with my ATV. I checked the HDMI cables; their fine. What I get is either a blank screen or a red screen on my Sony HDTV (KD-30XS955). My ATV works fine with component cables. This new switch I bought is supposed to work with HDMI 1.3b and prior versions (e.g. HDMI 1.3.a). I did download and install the lasted ATV updates. The switch does work with my Yamaha DVD player (DVD-C950) with its HDMI output. I'll send an e-mail to hdtvsupply.com and see what they say.

Hello. I just got the ATV for Christmas and tried to hook it up with my XtremeHD 4 port HDMI switch. I'm unable to access ATV through the switch, yet it works when directly connected to my HDTV (Samsung HL-P5063W). I only have one HDMI port for the HDTV. I love the form factor of this switch and have no problems accessing my HD Cable receiver (Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4250HDC). I've tested the HDMI ports when connected to the cable box, and had no problems getting a signal. I've also tested my HDMI cables with the same success.

I've seen from searching around the Internet, that this might be a bug in the firmware for ATV and that Apple was supposedly working on a solution for this (last noted in early November 2007). Are there any updates to this? Is there a software update planned to roll out to all ATVs for this issue?

I have the same problem with an Iogear 4 port HDMI switch feeding a Samsung DLP display.

When ATV is plugged into the switch, the display doesn't receive a signal. When ATV is plugged directly into the HDMI port of the display, the signal is fine.

(The switch has no problem relaying the signal from my digital cable PVR.)

I received the following response from Xtreme Mac, the makers of the XtremeHD HDMI switch:

"We are aware of some�compatibility issues between Apple TV- XtremeHD 4X1 HDMI Switcher- and some television manufacturers.� Our engineering team has been working on a solution, but to date it remains an open issue.� HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) continues to be an issue when using HDMI or DVI with certain conflicting components. Although we adhere to the HDMI specifications, we continue to have isolated incompatibility issues. We hope to find an intermediary fix, but also believe better chipsets will help further eliminate these issues in the future.�
�
We hope to have solutions in the coming months and will update you on the progress.� Unfortunately, there is no fix at this time."

I have placed an order for an OPPO HM-31 3 port HDMI switch. There has been reports of this successfully working with the ATV and Samsung HDTVs.

This is so jacked up. I've been through the Belkin Pure AV and XtremeHD switches until finding this post. $200 down the drain.

CyberPMG - please post again if the OPPO HM-31 works with the Samsung.

I received the OPPO HM-31 switch. It works perfectly with the AppleTV and my Samsung (HLP5063W). I'm able to switch between the AppleTV and my cable box (Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4250 HDC) with no loss in signal.

I would recommend this switch to those who wish to use their AppleTV switched with other HDMI components to their Samsung TVs.

Thanks CyberPMG.

The Oppo switch arrived and it works with my Samsung, Apple TV and the Mini using Front Row.

I highly recommend anyone with the Samsung Apple TV or Mac Mini combo, purchase the OPPO HM-31 switch.

Hello.
I have also just bought a HDMI switch (Aten VS481) and it never occurred to me it wouldn`t work, it was aprox 200$, it don`t like spending another 100$ on then one from Oppo.
As this is clearly a problem for a lot of people, it should be of interest for Apple. Have anyone heard an answer from Apple on this issue?

Cheers
Yngvar